About Us

About Malthouse Theatre

What Happens Next

At Malthouse Theatre we collaborate with local and international artists to create performances that cut to the core of the human experience.

Theatre has the power to interrogate, disrupt and to be an agent of change—we think it always should. At Malthouse Theatre the work we produce explores the world personally, socially and politically.

Based in a dedicated venue, The Coopers Malthouse in Melbourne, we are a home for innovative live experiences that entertain and provoke a dialogue with and within audiences.

Welcome to Malthouse Theatre.

Our Culture

We champion artistic and cultural diversity and seek out alternative points of view.

Malthouse Theatre is committed to inclusivity. We collaborate with artists and arts professionals from culturally and linguistically diverse and Indigenous backgrounds. As a company, we employ pro-active measures to address inequities in representation within our industry and we fiercely believe in gender equality. We passionately and persistently advocate for, champion and influence change.

We acknowledge the Land and Songlines of the Boonwurrung within the Kulin Nation. Our vision is to be a world leader in engaging with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples by supporting their right to self-determine artistic identity. Our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Advisory Committee regularly connect with our Company to advise on protocols, artists and emerging talent, audience development and community engagement.

Our History

We are supported by a vibrant history spanning four decades. It has been 41 years since Founding Director, Carrillo Gantner, formed the Hoopla Theatre Foundation in 1976, which later became Playbox Theatre Company; 31 years since the Malthouse building was converted into an agile and contemporary theatre complex; and 13 years since Playbox was re-imagined as Malthouse Theatre by Michael Kantor in 2004.

In 1986 Carlton and United Breweries gifted the historic Malthouse building at 113 Sturt Street, Southbank to the State Government of Victoria to be developed as the new home of Playbox. Rebranded as The Coopers Malthouse in 2014, the building comprises two theatre spaces, the 500-seat Merlyn theatre and 180-seat Beckett Theatre; the Tower space; rehearsal rooms and offices; the theatre bar and café; and a bespoke workshop.

From Playbox to Malthouse Theatre our Company has consistently been a counterpoint to the mainstream. We have provided theatre-makers with the freedom to create adventurous, daring work; and to experiment and to take great artistic risks. These remain key tenets of Malthouse Theatre’s core values and mission today.

The impact of Malthouse Theatre’s 41 years on the Melbourne arts and culture community, and on our broader artistic identity, is substantial. We have created a unique, recognisable theatre making style that rebels against the traditional limitations of the discipline and resonates locally, nationally and globally.

About Us

Artist Development Programs

Malthouse Theatre's key initiatives

We have a range of ways for artists to create, work, partner, learn and share with Malthouse Theatre. Whether you are a director, actor, musician or part of an independent theatre company, we encourage and embrace new work that brings fresh vision to classics and rediscoveries.

IN HOUSE ARTIST RESIDENCIES /Supported by the Sidney Myer FundIN HOUSE supports independent artist residencies in Malthouse Theatre’s Tower, providing time and space for dedicated creative development.

THE BESEN FAMILY ARTIST PROGRAM /Supported by the Besen Family FoundationBesen Family Artist Program is offered as professional development for early to mid-career artists who seek experience in observing specific productions or ongoing artistic work within a mainstage theatre company.

FEMALE DIRECTOR IN RESIDENCE / Supported by Craig ReevesMalthouse Theatre’s annual Female Director in Residence program provides intensive career development and a salary to an emerging female theatre director.

CO.LAB WRITER + DIRECTOR INITIATIVE / Supported by Copyright Agency Limited’s Cultural FundSupported by the Copyright Agency Ltd, Malthouse Theatre’s Co.Lab program enables four writer-director teams per year to collaboratively develop an idea and begin the exploration of a new work.

MALCOLM ROBERTSON WRITERS PROGRAM / Supported by the Malcolm Robertson FoundationMalthouse Theatre’s Malcolm Robertson Writers Program commissions two emerging artists per year to write a new Australian work for theatre.

VANGUARDA cohort of young social entrepreneurs, arts lovers and cultural leaders aged 18 to 30, Vanguard members access a year of unforgettable experiences, gain insight into mainstage theatre, contribute to discussions about cultural leadership and build a new network of local arts lovers.

About Us

Tours and Collaborations

We are privileged to have the opportunity to explore further through our international collaborations with established and emerging artists from all around the world. Together, we’re sharing values, exploring new ideas and creating exciting new works on a global stage. We also remain committed to touring our work throughout Australia through regional and metropolitan festivals and partnerships.

Latitude: Malthouse Theatre’s International Touring Program

At the heart of Malthouse Theatre’s International Touring program is a desire to connect with like-minded artists, companies and audiences around the world. This connection influences the quality and diversity of our artistic practice, builds an international market for Australian work and has an enormous impact on local artists. The Latitude program includes:

Identifying and collaborating with respected artists and companies to create new work, including inviting overseas artists to work in Melbourne;

Touring our work internationally;

Reciprocal artist exchange and residency opportunities;

Hosting bespoke masterclasses for visiting artists to connect with local theatre-makers.

About Us

Hire a Space

Room for your creativity

The Coopers Malthouse—home of Malthouse Theatre—houses three theatres, rehearsal studios, meeting rooms, a bar and a café, all in the heart of Southbank.

The Coopers Malthouse is also used as an exciting alternative to more conventional conference facilities and reception centres, hosting conferences, events, product launches, and AGMs for a range of clients.

For venue booking enquiries please contact Anita Posterino, Front of House Manager, on

About Us

Staff & Board

Malthouse Theatre is led by co-CEOs, Artistic Director Matthew Lutton and Executive Producer Sarah Neal. The Executives are supported by the core artistic team: Mark Prichard (Resident Dramaturg), Jason Tamiru (Associate Producer), Sapidah Kian (Director in Residence) and Declan Greene (Resident Artist) who work together with the extended Malthouse Theatre team to curate a combination of new commissions, local collaborations and national and international co-productions. Many of these projects emerge from Malthouse Theatre’s Artist Development Programs.